Rabbit shaking head & losing balance with hard foods

[Boopboopbunny]

This is our first post, we’re hoping someone has some insight into what’s up with our bunny. He has a vet appointment tomorrow but we’ve been worrying for the last few days.

He originally had an unknown illness in the summer, which presented as some hind leg pain and balance issues but the vet couldn’t see any cause and he seemed fine when there. On returning home he stopped eating and drinking, and it was only after a week of syringe feeding that he finally got his appetite back. This may have nothing to do with what’s wrong, but we didn’t ever figure out what the problem was then either.

For the last week our bunny has had trouble with certain hard foods; starting with pellets but expanding to include hay blocks and eventually even hard veg like carrots. His diet is around 80% timothy hay with 1/2 hay blocks per day and some veg in the morning and evening. Fruit is a rare treat. He’s still eating hay fine and he’s drinking water, but any time he gets something hard he starts to shake his head, lose balance and fall over. We thought maybe it was tooth pain, but petting the area doesn’t illicit any response or tenderness. There’s no swelling and typically if he has the slightest pain or gas he hides away and refuses to eat. 

I’ve included a video clip of the behaviour. Any responses are gratefully appreciated. 

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m sorry your bunny is having this trouble. He’s so cute but that does look pretty alarming. Hard to tell since he’s moving so much, but is one side of his face drooping? Looks like it to me. Bunnies can get partial facial paralysis. We have a few members here with experience so hopefully they will chime in, .

Do you have a rabbit savvy vet? If yes, I think you should send the vet this clip and then bring him for a check up.

This article talks about facial paralysis. Not sure how correct the diagnosing and treatment info is but it at least will tell you more about the condition so you can see if it relates to your bun.

https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/condit…_paralysis

[Wick & Fable]

Whenever people mention unknown illness that includes balance issues, I automatically want to inquire if your rabbit was tested for e cuniculi.

My thought is tooth pain as well, and from experience with my own rabbit, I know not all pain will be accompanied by swelling or pain at contact. Perhaps there’s a fracture in one of the teeth that only flare up when pressed down on.

If funds and resources allow, perhaps it may be good to do a full body xray so you can see both the teeth and check out the hind legs. This can also help see if there are any abnormal growths pressuring your rabbit anywhere that may be causing physical/neurological symptoms.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Boopboopbunny]

Bunny had his examination under mild anaesthetic with the vet today and we found out what was wrong.

He had lingual spurs on his teeth and when he chewed harder foods these would nip and pinch his tongue, hence shaking his head – trying to get his tongue away from his sharp pointy teeth.

Our vet filed down the points and bunny is now on painkillers and antibiotics for a week to ensure there’s no infection creeping into his sore little tongue.

Thank you for the advice.

[Q8bunny]

Aww… glad you guys figured it out. All the best to your little one.

[Author]

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